Gingerbread Cookies with Buttercream Icing Recipe

When it's time to start the cookie baking season, this recipe is always the first one I use. My mother-in-law first shared it with me, but it's too good to keep to myself! You can tint the buttery icing a cheery pink or green and pipe it on with a decorating tip. —Ann Scherzer, Anacortes, Washington

Directions

In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and molasses. Combine flour, baking soda, salt and spices; gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.

On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 3-1/2-in. cookie cutter into desired shapes. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Remove from pans to cool on wire racks.

"I found these several years ago in an old Country Woman Christmas book. I've made them every year since. They're quite good, but for the icing I use only butter and not the butter flavoring, trying to keep from anything artificial. In my opinion, it would ruin them."